RESUMO
Alveolar ridge resorption following tooth extraction poses significant challenges for future dental restorations. This study investigated the efficacy of fish scale-derived hydroxyapatite (FSHA) as a socket preservation graft material to maintain alveolar bone volume and architecture. FSHA was extracted from *Labeo rohita* fish scales and characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. In vitro, biocompatibility and osteogenic potential were assessed using Saos-2 human osteosarcoma cells. Cell viability, migration, and proliferation were evaluated using MTT and scratch assays. In vivo performance was assessed in a rat model, and FSHA was compared to a commercial xenograft (Osseograft) and ungrafted controls. Histological analysis was performed at 8-week post-implantation to quantify new bone formation. FTIR confirmed the purity and homogeneity of FSHA. In vitro, FSHA enhanced Saos-2 viability, migration, and proliferation compared to controls. In vivo, FSHA demonstrated superior bone regeneration compared to Osseograft and ungrafted sites, with balanced graft resorption and new bone formation. Histological analysis revealed an active incorporation of FSHA into new bone, with minimal gaps and ongoing remodeling. Approximately 50%-60% of FSHA was resorbed by 8 weeks, closely matching the rate of new bone deposition. FSHA stimulated more bone formation in the apical socket region than in coronal areas. In conclusion, FSHA is a promising biomaterial for alveolar ridge preservation, exhibiting excellent biocompatibility, osteogenic potential, and balanced resorption. Its ability to promote robust bone regeneration highlights its potential as an effective alternative to currently used graft materials in socket preservation procedures.
RESUMO
BACKGROUND: Atrophic anterior maxilla rehabilitation can be a challenging procedure due to multiple factors that influence clinical decision making. After a prolonged loss of teeth, the residual bone often impedes the use of standard implant placement protocols and additional procedures are needed. AIM: The aim of this study is to describe the multidisciplinary approach for the diagnosis and treatment of a 50-year-old woman with prolonged use of a removable maxillary partial denture. CASE DESCRIPTION: This article presents a full-mouth-phased rehabilitation of an atrophic anterior maxilla with three surgical stages. First, onlay autogenous chin bone grafting was used to return the lost tissue. After the consolidation, dental implants were placed in a second stage. A few months later, a connective tissue graft was used to improve the keratinized mucosa width. In the mentioned stages, leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) was used to improve healing and promote tissue regeneration. Finally, prosthetic gingival restoration was used in the anterior region as an alternative to overcome the limitations of hard- and soft-tissue grafting. CONCLUSION: The use of autogenous grafts obtained from the chin in combination with xenograft and then covered with an absorbable collagen membrane represents a predictable procedure for the rehabilitation of the long-term partial maxillary edentulism. Prosthetic gingival restoration is an alternative technique to overcome the limitations of hard- and soft-tissue grafting. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: The treatment of a patient with high and width alveolar bone loss needs a multidisciplinary approach. Autogenous grafts obtained from the chin in combination with xenograft and then covered with an absorbable collagen membrane represent an effective procedure. Also, prosthetic gingival restoration can be used as an alternative technique to overcome the limitations of hard- and soft-tissue grafting.